The crinkly plate, designed by researcher Nauris Cinovics, works by reducing portion sizes

And the ridged design also slows down eating and makes it harder to scrape the plate clean.

Scientists claim the clever dish could help slimmers consume less.

Researcher Nauris Cinovics is about to start trials of his new design.

The product designer from the Art Academy of Latvia said: “My idea is how to make food appear bigger than it is.

“If you make the plate three-dimensional [with the ridges and troughs] it actually looks like there is the same amount of food as on a normal plate – but there is less of it. You are tricking the brain into thinking you are eating more.”

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The crinkle shape makes it harder for people to scoop food off the plate, slowing down their consumption.

Experts claim this makes it easier for people to recognise when they are full, and not overeat.

The designer has also developed heavy cutlery – a knife, fork and spoon weighing 3lbs each – that stops diners from scoffing food.

It took them around 50 per cent longer to finish their meal.

He said: “We tested this and it took 11 minutes to finish a meal with this cutlery rather than seven minutes.

“Our brain takes at least 20 minutes to receive the message that we should feel full, so if we eat really fast we think we need more food – if we eat slowly the message gets through sooner so we eat less.”